Several delegates gathered early Sunday morning after breakfast for the CONA worship service in the Heaton Hall Auditorium. After a short call to worship by Noah McNelley of the Alabama delegation, the service was on its way. Uplifting songs gave thanks for the love of God, while Quiwanaki Ramsey of Florida led the Lord’s Prayer. Marcy Hannick of Missouri read Matthew 5:1-11, calling for personal reflection among each individual.

The message shared was that even though unfortunate or upsetting circumstances may happen, it is God’s will and there is a purpose for everything and everyone. Julia Khan of the California delegation began by reminding us of the great author and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel. Despite all the negatives, he went on with his life. Zachary Pate of Texas reflected on Wiesel’s wise words by sharing about a friend he had lost. “There may be tragedy; there may be trials, but God is there for us. Pray to Him and let Him into your life and everything will be a little better.” After sharing, Zachary challenged everyone to go out and appreciate the sunrise in the morning and reflect on all the good that has happened in our lives.

Patti O’Brien of Missouri then reiterated Zachary’s message with Matthew 6:25-34. “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what will you eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is life not more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in any barns, and yet your heavenly father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”

With the worship service, the delegates reminded us that you cannot spend your life worrying but to instead enjoy the beauty in everything.